Beast Mtawarira has been forced to withdraw from the Springboks’ Test against Ireland because of heart palpitations.

The Springbok management confirmed this on Saturday afternoon, several hours before kick-off in Dublin. Mtawarira, who was treated for the condition by a Cape Town specialist earlier this year, suffered a recurrence of the problem at the team hotel.

He was admitted to hospital for further tests and subsequently discharged, although the Bok management reiterated that he would not be available for the Test against Ireland.

A decision on his availability for the remainder of the tour will be made once there is clarity around the seriousness of his condition.

Mtawarira’s withdrawal has seen CJ van der Linde promoted to the starting side. Leinster prop Heinke van der Merwe, who only joined the squad on Wednesday, has been included among the reserves.